For thousands of years, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used by many people throughout the world as a health tonic. Studies have shown that ACV has many benefits like lowering the levels of blood sugar. This post will explore research behind the apple cider vinegar weight loss abilities and also offer tips on how to include ACV in your diet. What’s ACV? Apple cider vinegar is created via a two-step fermentation procedure. To start with, apples are crushed or chopped then combined with yeast in order to convert the sugar in them into alcohol. Then, bacteria are added; this ferments the alcohol into acetic acid. Initially, the production of ACV took about 30 days, but now manufacturers have accelerated the process. ACV can now be manufactured in a day. Acetic acid, also called ethanoic acid, is the active component of ACV. This organic compound has a strong odor and a sour taste. About 6% of ACV consists of acetic acid, though it also contains traces of other acids like malic acid and water. A tablespoon (15ml) of ACV has about 3 calories and no carbs. Benefits of acetic acid for fat loss: This fatty acid dissolves into hydrogen and acetate in your body. According to animal studies, the acetic acid in ACV promotes weight loss in various ways. This includes: Lowering blood sugar levels Decreasing levels of insulin Improving metabolism Minimizing fat storage Burning fat Suppressing appetite Even though the studies conducted on animals look very promising, more research is required in humans to confirm these effects. Apple cider vinegar diet is also gaining popularity among the masses. How ACV increases fullness and reduces calorie intake? Wondering why apple cider vinegar weight loss plans are becoming common nowadays? Well, apple cider vinegar is believed to promote fullness, and this can decrease your calorie intake.

The diverticular disease was sporadic before the 20th century but now it is quite common especially in the western countries. Diverticulitis is the most severe kind of diverticular diseases. The diverticula or pouches are formed in the intestinal wall, they are bacterially infected and inflamed and they form diverticulitis. The diverticulitis often comes with many complications. The diverticulitis treatment guidelines should be followed to combat diverticulitis; otherwise, it can lead to some serious health complications. Here are a few things related to diverticulitis. The common symptoms of diverticulitis There are several stages of diverticulitis. They vary from mild to severe with simple to complicated symptoms. These are: Abdominal pain occurs typically in the lower left side of the abdomen Fever Nausea Vomiting The increased urge for urination, frequent urination, or feeling of a burning sensation at the time of urination Constipation Diarrhea Blood in stool The causes of diverticulitis There are multiple factors responsible for causing diverticulitis. These are: A low-fiber diet The lack of dietary fiber in food is considered one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. Heredity From research, it is seen that there is a link of heredity with diverticulitis. There is at least 50 percent of the potential risk of diverticulitis which comes from genetics. Obesity Obesity is one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. It raises the risk of diverticulitis and its bleeding. Lack of physical workout The lack of physical exercise and living a sedentary life always increase the chance of diseases like diverticulitis. Smoking From studies, it is proven that smoking can cause diverticulitis and its complications. Certain medications Regular intake of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs may raise the chance of diverticulitis. The opiates and steroids can increase the risk of the perforation, the severe difficulty of diverticulitis. The deficiency of vitamin D From the studies, it is proven that people with less amount of vitamin D are more prone to diverticulitis and its complications.

According to various medical research reports, over 70 million adults in the country suffer from high cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol are more likely to get a heart attack or develop different heart diseases as compared to the people with right or controlled cholesterol level. Different medications are available for high cholesterol treatment. However, according to the healthcare professionals, some healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining a good and healthy diet can help you to keep your cholesterol level within the normal levels. Read on to know the natural ways that help in keeping your heart healthy and fit by controlling the cholesterol levels. Include heart-healthy foods in your diet Eat foods that contain rich omega-3 fatty acids – The foods that contain high omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the blood pressure along with keeping your heart in good health. The best sources for these omega-3 fatty acids are the wild-caught oily fishes such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. The more you add these oily fishes to your diet the better you can maintain your cholesterol level. Include more foods having soluble fiber in it – The soluble fiber helps in reducing the cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Kidney beans, oatmeal, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts etc. are rich in soluble fiber. Hence, people who are undergoing high cholesterol treatment should include these foods in their diet list for effective results. Avoid foods having trans-fats in it – Various medical research reports have reflected the fact that trans-fats increase the overall levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Hence, medical experts advise avoiding such foods that contain trans-fats to the people suffering from high cholesterol. Foods such as store-bought cakes, crackers, and cookies are rich in trans-fats and while going through the high cholesterol treatment, these foods should be avoided.

Constipation is a bowel condition due to which the bowel movements of an individual are hard and occur less often than normal. Almost everyone experiences this condition. It is not usually serious, as the person suffering from constipation feels much better when the body is back on track. The normal time frame of constipation varies greatly from person to person. Some people might have it three times a day some only once or twice a week. Constipation that takes longer than 3 or more days is usually considered as too long a time frame. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and becomes more difficult to pass. The general symptoms of constipation include: Trouble having bowel movements Having few bowel movements Swollen or dry belly pain with the feeling of nausea Hard or small stools Causes of constipation can be due to several reasons. Poor diet or poor bowel habits are the two main causes of constipation. Constipation causes problems in eliminating of stool, whether it is physical, functional, or voluntary. Most common causes of constipation include Poor diet Constipation can be caused due to eating only those foods that are rich in animal fats (which are usually found in dairy products, meat, and eggs) and refined sugar. Having a low fiber diet can also result in constipation. This is because the fiber content in the food helps in better digestion and maintains stool consistency that is easy to pass. Insufficient fluid intake Lack of fluid in the daily diet can lead to hard and dry stools. Fluid is absorbed by the intestine, consuming enough fluid maintains the water content and keeps the stool soft enough for passage. Caffeine and alcohol Consuming beverages rich in caffeine and alcohol result in increased excretion. This results in relative dehydration. This, in turn, leads to constipation as enough water is not retained by the stool.

To undergo proper medication, one needs to understand a problem in depth. The body has a natural notification system if there is any disorder going on within it. It is necessary to act upon these notifications and rectify the issue at stage one. The impact of a stationary lifestyle and lack of appropriate diet is prominently hampering the overall human health. This has, in turn, resulted in a rise in the number of cases of hemorrhoids. People fail to understand the initial symptoms of hemorrhoids and pass it off as indigestion. Hemorrhoids if not treated properly can aggravate into a serious condition resulting in surgery in serious cases. A normal human body has hemorrhoids which help in controlling bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be considered dangerous only when their vessels enlarge within the anal rectum leading to bleeding bowel, infection and tumors. Below are some ways on how to get rid of hemorrhoids: Lookout for signs If you refrain from using the toilet for a longer period, then you are at high risk of hemorrhoids. Rising strain on the intestine can be a prime cause of hemorrhoids. Always make it a point to use the toilet at regular intervals. While cleaning your bowels, if you sense a lump around the anal outlet or blood in stool then immediately consult a doctor. High fiber diet It is always advisable to plan a diet chart and make a routine of it. Whether or not you suffer from hemorrhoids ensure to follow a high fiber diet to maintain good stomach health. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and have a good nutritional value which helps in keeping the anus and anal rectum healthy. Include healthy salad in your diet to increase healthy fiber content. Refrain from embarrassment One of the prime reasons why hemorrhoids aggravate is because people fail to consult the doctor due to embarrassment.

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice. Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable. Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms.

Anyone who has less than three bowel movements per week is said to have constipation. If this condition goes on for several months, it can be diagnosed as chronic constipation, and it would require a trained doctor to treat the ailment. Some of the common symptoms of constipation include hard stools, strained bowel movements, a general feeling of being blocked, inability to empty bowels, bloating, nausea, and constant abdominal ache. Before looking into constipation treatment, it is important that you delve into the factors that may be behind the symptoms. Some common causes of constipation have been recognized as inactivity, stress, overuse of or dependence on laxatives, surgery, medications, low fiber diet, and the like. It is a fact that constipation is experienced by many people on various occasions during their lifetime. If such a condition only occurs occasionally, constipation treatment can include home remedies or over-the-counter medicines; however, if the disorder persists, it requires serious medical attention and regular constipation treatment to ease the symptoms. Here are some constipation treatment tips and remedies that could help alleviate the discomfort and gradually bring positive results. Exercise Like most ailments, constipation can be controlled by regular exercise, short walks, basic stretches, and the like. Exercise can help patients with constipation feel relieved, lighter, and in a better position to handle constipation. People with constipation can begin walking for at least 20 minutes and gradually increase the time and pace. Stay hydrated Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine can lead to dehydration which further aggravates constipation. Constipation treatment also includes having enough fluids at regular intervals throughout the day. Mostly, having ten glasses of water and some fresh juices are recommended to treat constipation. People with existing medical issues like heart failure or kidney problems must consult their doctors about the appropriate amount of fluids to be consumed.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body. In such cases, it becomes imperative to lose at least 5% to 10% of the current body weight. One can even seek a dietician’s help to succeed in their endeavor to lose weight. The right weight assures that normal blood sugar levels are maintained. Follow a balanced diet with complex carbs When we say that one’s unhealthy lifestyle can also trigger diabetes, it implies going on a binge eating session, where the only food one consumes, are fried and high in everything harmful for the body. So, in order to maintain normal blood sugar levels, one needs to adhere to consuming a balanced diet.

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the colon. IBS is accompanied by pain in the abdomen and change in the bowel movements. It is diagnosed based on the severity of the symptoms of IBS. Since IBS is a collection of symptoms, therefore it is called a syndrome. IBS is of different types depending on its symptoms, such as IBS-D for diarrhea, IBS-C for constipation, IBS-M (both diarrhea and constipation) and IBS-U (neither diarrhea nor constipation). Signs of IBS: Diarrhoea, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding, weight loss, constipation, and muscle in stool are some of the probable symptoms of IBS. Causes of IBS: There is no specific reason for the IBS. It is assumed IBS is caused by an infection. The intestines swell up. The problem may even continue for a lifetime. In some cases, the intestine muscles contract and relax during the digestion process. The causes and effects of IBS are different among people. Contractions in IBS may cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Weak contractions make it difficult for the food to pass which causes constipation. Activators of IBS: Different factors such as stress, hormones, and foods cause IBS among individuals. Some food products such as cabbage, fats, beverages, alcohol, chocolate and milk products cause IBS problems. The IBS problems accentuate during stressful durations. Stressful situations at the workplace, home or office can cause IBS frequently. Women suffer from IBS more than men, and the problem worsen during the menstrual periods. Effects of IBS: Regular instances of constipation and diarrhea lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Restricting the intake of several food products can result in loss of essential nutrients. IBS worsens the life quality. People with IBS generally feel high stress and anxiety. Once if IBS is diagnosed, you need to visit the doctor for tests and treatments.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

Cholesterol is present in your bloodstream and is classified as good and bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, a plaque build up in the arteries which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These include angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. If your medical tests reveal, high LDL cholesterol levels, you need to take measures to bring it down. Listed below are ways that help to reduce LDL Cholesterol and keep them within a healthy range. Lose some extra pounds Being overweight can automatically lead to high LDL levels. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other chronic health conditions. Studies have proved that reduction in body weight does lower the LDL cholesterol levels. Exercising gives your metabolism a boost, and thus increases the fat burning capacity. You can take up low-impact exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, and stretching. You can also take up aerobics and running. Following a regular exercise schedule can effectively lower the LDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 10%. Adopt a healthy lifestyle Smoking leads to the formation of oxidized LDL, a potent type of LDL that can lead to atherosclerosis. So quitting cigarettes can considerably reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that you will be able to lower the LDL cholesterol levels by almost 5% by kicking the smoking habit. Limited consumption of alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer has been found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 4% to 8%. However, binge drinking can put you at an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore exercise moderation when it comes to alcohol. Follow the right diet What you eat has a huge impact on your heart health. A nutritious and balanced diet, not only helps you to knock off the excess pounds but also improves your cardiovascular functions.

The term diabetes reversal refers to an improvement in the condition of your body’s insulin sensitivity that sustains over a long period. Type II Diabetes 90% of adults have type II diabetes that tends to develop later in life. In type II diabetes, the body fails to produce enough insulin to cope up with the glucose levels in the body. As the body cells don’t react to the insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, which cannot be used to fuel energy. Type II diabetes mostly ends up becoming a chronic health condition that cannot be cured once it develops. It can only be supervised and managed by combining medication with a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes and fat Eating and drinking more calories than required by the body leads to excess calories that get stored as fat in the liver and under the skin in the abdomen – visceral fat. This visceral fat is a common factor that puts you at a high risk of developing type II diabetes. The fat build-up in the liver extends over into the pancreas eventually. Over time this fat accumulation becomes a hindrance to the organ’s functioning and prevents the pancreas from releasing insulin after meals. This is why, obesity is a more common cause of type II diabetes, which turns into a vicious circle of cause and effect. The pressure on the Pancreas to keep producing extra insulin damages the insulin-producing beta cells. Damage to the beta cells renders the pancreas unfit to keep sugar levels in check, and this turns into a chronic disease. It damages the kidneys, eye retinas and other organs over the passage of time. Diabetes reversal treatment The research for a cure to beat diabetes is still in its infancy, but there seem to be motivating developments in stopping the symptoms of type II diabetes.